The General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands has declared an alert for the risk of wildfires in El Hierro, La Gomera, La Palma, Gran Canaria and Tenerife starting from 11:00 on Thursday, July 30.
The Government of the Canary Islands, through the General Directorate of Emergencies, has activated the alert for the risk of wildfires in the western islands and Gran Canaria, as reported by the regional executive. The measure, which applies from an altitude of 400 meters, comes into effect at 11:00 on Thursday, July 30, and is part of the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Wildfires (INFOCA).
The decision was made after analysing data provided by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and other sources, which indicate a period of high temperatures lasting several days. The onset of this episode is expected on Wednesday, with initially greater impact in the eastern islands, especially Gran Canaria, and it is anticipated to intensify and gradually extend to the rest of the archipelago from Friday and throughout the weekend.
Weather models show a consistent trend towards the arrival of a warm, dry air mass of African origin. Maximum temperatures of 34 degrees Celsius or higher are expected in inland areas and mid-altitudes facing south and west in Gran Canaria, where values close to 38 degrees could be reached at the start of the weekend. In Fuerteventura, temperatures of up to 33 degrees are expected inland, and in Tenerife, between 32 and 33 degrees in some interior sectors, without ruling out the possibility that the episode may later extend to other islands.
This episode will be accompanied by a low thermal inversion, initially around 400 meters in Gran Canaria and between 500 and 700 meters in the western islands, with a tendency to gradually decrease. This situation will favour a warm, dry environment in mid-altitudes and high areas. Furthermore, the influx of African air may be accompanied by weak calima, mainly in the eastern islands, although significant surface dust concentrations are not initially expected.
According to authorities, this meteorological configuration will favour the establishment of a warm, dry air mass over mid-altitudes and forested areas, with relative humidity below 30 percent above the inversion. Moderate northeast (trade) winds will prevail, with locally strong intervals and gusts in exposed areas and inter-island channels. Although a widespread episode of strong winds is not currently expected, this parameter will continue to be monitored due to its potential impact on the spread of wildfires.
The alert will remain active as long as the risk conditions persist, and the territorial scope may be updated based on the evolution of meteorological predictions and the risk indices from AEMET and the Government of the Canary Islands. The General Directorate of Emergencies has urged the public to follow the self-protection advice available on its website, which includes avoiding any activities that may generate sparks or flames in the countryside, as well as keeping the surroundings of homes in forested areas clean.
For residents of Granadilla de Abona and other municipalities in Tenerife, the alert means exercising extreme caution in mid-altitude and summit areas, especially during the central hours of the day. It is recommended not to carry out burns or use machinery that may generate sparks, and to pay attention to the indications of emergency services. In the event of detecting a fire, one should immediately call 112.
The Government of the Canary Islands reminds that prevention is essential to avoid wildfires, and that citizen collaboration is key to minimizing risks. The situation will be subject to ongoing monitoring, and any changes in the alert level will be promptly communicated.
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